For a series that has relied on a consistent formula of fun, family-friendly, cooperative play, LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is about to explore new ground with a free-roaming area and voice acting. Part of the series' charm is watching these mute, yellow, block-headed characters wave their arms frantically but developer TT Games also realizes that it's time to try something new. (The constant "they're all the same" comments likely helped too.)

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes will once again pair the dark knight up with his sidekick Robin, but now they have a new cast to team up with including Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Green Lantern. The story revolves around our heroes trying to save the city from the sinister Joker and very bald Lex Luthor.

At a recent demo during the week of the Game Developer's Conference, we were able to check out some of Batman's new suits, and see what the LEGO version of Gotham City looks like from Superman's point of view. It looks like what you'd expect Gotham to look like: dark, dreary and of course, rainy. But to distinguish itself from other versions of the crime-infested city, there are enormous LEGO statues all over the place.

The freedom to fly and explore the towers in the city is a departure from the series, where you mostly focus on solving puzzles to get to the next area. That's all included here as well, but with a big city to explore, you'll likely find other amusing ways to pass the time like jumping into someone else's car Grand Theft Auto-style. We even got a glimpse of the infamous Arkham Asylum, where Batman and Robin had to use their wits, and new suits to get past barriers and other hazardous traps.

Even though the series keeps a light-hearted tone and cartoony but colorful visuals, the blend of realistic environments and water effects plays in nicely with the miniature LEGO figures. No release date has been announced yet, but LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is set to come out this summer.